Diving Bell Photos

Junior · January 14, 2010, 07:23:13 AM

Good to hear about Russ! Does he still have that "unique" sense of humor and the ability to mastermind and execute fantastic practical jokes and pranks? Ah, the stories I could tell you about this guy! But I won't. Not here, anyway. Russ does hold a special place in the history of the diving bell: a) he helped build the ride in winter of '76, b) he played Junior Dugan in the '77 season, and c) was hydraulics specialist and maintenance at the ride from '78-'84. Russ always was a great guy, a fellow all of us "Juniors" looked up to as a friend and older brother type figure. I wish him and his family well. I'd love to get up to the park in the next few weeks or months and visit with him.

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 10:54:46 AM

Here is a preview of what I hope to post later this evening!

Junior · January 14, 2010, 02:51:52 PM

Great photo! Judging from things I see in the background of this shot, it is from the time period of 1981-1984. Judging only from seeing the profile of the "Junior" in the background, I could maybe narrow it down to '83 or '84. Without a clear view of the face of the "Junior" with the bandana, I cannot be 100% certain who that is. Thanks for posting this, it's wonderful to see this stuff you have got in your collection.

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 04:10:05 PM

Queue line...Now the exit from Lost River

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 04:12:09 PM

"we've Sprung a leak"

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 04:15:18 PM

Entrance...

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 04:17:37 PM

I have several more, just have to scan them, give me a day or two!

Junior · January 14, 2010, 04:30:25 PM

ALRIGHT, RUBE! From what I see in your photos, they appear to be from the 1984 (and final) season of the diving bell. It appears the "Junior" in the capsule interior photos may be a guy named Hap. Since I still have not seen a clear view of the face, it's hard to tell. My guess is, these diving bell photos were taken the same time the Greedy Bro. shots you have already posted were taken. If you can pinpoint your visit to August, 1984, I can almost guarantee the shot of the "Junior" with the bandana on his face is ME! If it's not a shot from August of '84, it's somebody else, or a different season.

rubedugans · January 14, 2010, 07:32:38 PM

For some reason I had them labeled on the box as 1985, but knowing the dates of the attractions in the park, I must have just written it incorrectly.Yes 1984 would be it then. These are from the same shots as the ones including the old riverfront playhouse, and the greedy bros excursions, as well as the shanty town.
Here's a close up of Junior Hap possibly

Junior · January 16, 2010, 01:42:10 PM

I've added Jim Owens' Float Trip Ride photos to the Flickr account. Enjoy!

TD8541 · January 16, 2010, 07:33:04 PM

Quote from: tinaalsgirl on January 13, 2010, 08:07:37 PM
Hmmm... You don't happen to be the guy who ran the Geyser Gulch fansite, would you? I miss that site...

Yes... that's me. And I have all those files still, but the site got taken down (I think) recently when Geocities went bye-bye. I never really "RAN" it though... hahaha... just sort of put it up and let it go.

TD8541 · January 16, 2010, 07:34:51 PM

Those are great pics rubedugans! Thanks!!

Junior · January 20, 2010, 08:20:04 AM

Howdy, TD-8541! Good to have you, aboard! I'm making a last ditch, urgent attempt (publicly) to ask you to contact me! If for some reason you are having trouble doing so, SAVETHEWHALES and RUBEDUGANS can assist. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Junior · January 20, 2010, 09:16:35 AM

I have added three unusual photos to my Flickr account related to the diving bell. One is a shot of a leather pouch and silver coins used as a "prop" when I played Junior Dugan and entertained guests waiting in line for a ride. The other two photos are of a plastic medallion that was given to kids who "Panned for Silver" in the water trough that divided the children's playground area from the waiting line at the diving bell. If you have a copy of the 1978 SDC brochure, or if you have a copy of the SDC Guidebook sold in the Ozark Marketplace or Hospitality House around 1978 and 1979, you will see some publicity shots of kids panning for silver in the trough. I may have to dig up that shot and place it on Flickr, too. The Flickr address is posted at the top of this thread. Hope you like the new photos!

TD8541 · January 26, 2010, 03:45:56 PM

I found the copy of the Burl Ives' America which featured SDC and the Diving Bell and uploaded it to Vimeo for everyone's enjoyment.

Also... if you're on facebook, join my Diving Bell fan page here!

Here's the video...